Supporting Teachers in Implementing Movement Integration: Addressing Barriers Through a Job-Embedded Professional Development Intervention

Purpose: Movement integration (MI) is a method to increase physical activity with numerous learning outcomes. However, MI implementation is low. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a job-embedded professional development intervention on teachers’ MI barriers. An implementation science approach was used. Methods: The intervention was developed and delivered through six procedures. Mixed-methods data were used to develop the intervention and assess outcomes. The intervention was delivered over 3 weeks to 12 participants. Results: Reported barriers included time constraints, lack of space, fear of losing control, and limited confidence and competence. Results indicated a significant increase in teachers’ self-reported MI use from pre- to postimplementation (Z = −2.138, p = .0165, r = .6), improved confidence (p = .048), and a strong positive correlation (τb = .627, p = .018) between confidence and competence. Conclusion: Job-embedded professional development may be an effective strategy to support teachers in overcoming barriers to MI.

A Pragmatic Feasibility Trial Examining the Effect of Job Embedded Professional Development on Teachers’ Capacity to Provide Physical Literacy Enriched Physical Education in Elementary Schools

A gap in physical literacy (PL) oriented professional development (PD) for generalist teachers exists and thus their capacity to develop PL and maximize student health is potentially limited. We explored the feasibility of a novel job-embedded professional development (JEPD) program (10 weeks) and its impact on teachers’ capacity to deliver PL-enriched physical education (PE) and student PL. A pragmatic feasibility trial with mixed methods included quantitative measurements of teacher PL, knowledge and confidence (pre), and knowledge, confidence, satisfaction and intention (post), as well as self-reported change, to evaluate the impact on teacher capacity and practices. A pre–post comparison of student PL outcomes (motor skills using PLAYbasic, Sport for Life, Victoria, BC, Canada) during the JEPD and teacher implementation phase explored the impact on student PL. In total, 15/44 teachers participated in surveys and 11/44 completed interviews (87% female, mean age bracket = 25–44 years). Confidence to deliver PL enhancing PE increased significantly after JEPD (p < 0.0001). Teachers were highly satisfied with the JEPD (X = 4.67/5) and intended to change their practices (X = 4.09/5). At three months, teachers reported changes including enhanced lesson planning, increased activity variety (often from the JEPD), intentional skill development, student-focused discussions, introductory, transition, and closing activities, and more equipment adaptations. During JEPD, with the exception of throwing (p < 0.0001), children’s (47% female, mean age = 7.9 (1.7)) change in running, jumping, kicking and balance walking backwards did not differ from usual practice (UP). During teacher implementation, motor skill competence regressed; confounding factors could not be ruled out. JEPD appears feasible and effective for changing teacher capacity to deliver PL and enhancing PE; however, post-JEPD teacher implementation and outcomes need further exploration.

THE LOUISIANA ALGEBRA I ONLINE INITIATIVE AS A MODEL FOR TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: EXAMINING TEACHER EXPERIENCES

Over the past decade online learning initiatives have shown tremendous potential for broadening educational opportunities and for addressing local and regional shortages of highly qualified K–12 teachers. The Louisiana Algebra I Online initiative represents one type of online model than can address both the need for improving course offerings and for addressing teacher shortages. The goal of the model is to improve educational opportunities for students by providing them with a high-quality, standards-based curriculum delivered online by a certified mathematics teacher and to support the professional development of teachers in hard-to-staff schools by partnering them with a highly qualified teachermentor who is available online. The innovation of this model for online learning is that it integrates classroom-based learning with virtual learning thereby providing students with the structure andopportunities afforded by regular class meetings and supports the professional development of uncertified teachers through ongoing and embedded professional development opportunities.This research suggests that the Louisiana Algebra I Online model is a viable online model for providing teachers with an effective model for authentic and embedded professional development that is relevant to their classroom experiences.

Job-Embedded Professional Development for Teachers of English Learners: Preventing Literacy Difficulties Through Effective Core Instruction

This mixed methods descriptive study examined the effects of job-embedded professional development (JEPD) in reading on the content knowledge and instructional practice of teachers of English learners (ELs). Four first-grade teachers of ELs at one urban elementary school received JEPD over the course of a year. Results of pre- and posttests of teacher knowledge and classroom observations indicated that teachers’ reading content knowledge increased and that they used more evidence-based practices. JEPD shows promise as an approach that accommodates teachers’ varying levels of knowledge and experience in preparing them to meet the diverse needs of their students.

Professional Development for Quality Teaching and Learning

Quality teaching and student achievement have been the focus of much debate and research throughout the American education system. Despite implementation of teacher professional development, concerns remained about its effectiveness regarding quality teaching and student achievement. Thus, a paradigm shift ensued to promote effective, on-going capacity-building teacher professional development, known as job-embedded professional development. Educational milieus experienced reforms ranging from high-stakes testing to the standards movement, and recently, teacher evaluations incorporating value-added measures, all of which underscore professional development significance. The purpose of this chapter is to review, analyze, and synthesize current literature on teacher professional development, the need for job-embedded professional development, implementation challenges, and the relationship between teacher professional development and student learning outcomes. The chapter also examines gaps in the literature, followed by solutions, recommendations, and future research directions.